Blackberries

It is amazing how, even today, the sight of blackberries can always make me smile. I smile when I see them in the produce section at the grocery store. I grin when I find them collected in the little wooden baskets found in neat rows on narrow folding tables at the local farmers’ market. And, I am delighted when I discover some new use for them tucked away in the pages of Wednesday’s Food Section in our suburban paper.

Why all the sweet smiles over something someone else might consider bitter? Because, these black beauties immediately bring me back to the very sunny summers of my youth. Not to the lovely memories of many vacations spent mostly on the beach. But rather, to the unclouded daydreams of summer days spent mucking about the brambles and weeds found in the untamed acre of land next to my Grandparents’ home in western Pennsylvania.

What a fairytale place a field of wild weeds can be, when transformed in the mind of a child. Every wild Black-eyed Susan encountered is an unexpected gift to be harvested. The single, vibrant orange Day-lily bloom stumbled upon is, in a child’s mind, as rare as the much sought after Columbian orchids near the wild flows of the Orinoco. Even though, in reality, it most likely escaped from a random garden and then by chance was scattered to its current location. Nevertheless, amidst all these beautiful distractions, ultimately, the sweet treasure is discovered basking in the summer sun. The thorny purple brambles underfoot couldn’t be missed and always reminded oneself of the real purpose of the day’s expedition; wild blackberries.

On hot summer days, my Gramma would send me out to gather wild blackberries. She’d cover me with Avon’s “Skin So Soft” to ward off the bugs and then set me off on my exciting journey. A small but deep, stainless steel mixing bowl always accompanied me. Funny, but that little bowl in my hands always seemed to keep me on track and mindful of the time. When the bowl was filled to the brim, I would know I had harvested enough berries to make a pie, a delicious blackberry pie. It was the thought of that pie which always ensured my successful completion of the chore at hand. I wonder if my Gramma knew that. Maybe it is the reason she always chose the very same bowl whenever sending me out to gather wild blackberries. I do not know. However, I do know that she is well aware of how I like to notice every detail, especially when in nature or when cooking. I wonder if she knows just how much I love the very vivid memories of my childhood excursions picking blackberries.

In any case, upon my return with the filled bowl, we would begin to make the pie together in her tidy kitchen, carefully following a recipe written in her hand on a small white index card. I would sit on her counter or, sometimes even stand on a kitchen chair, to get the job done. We’d carefully cut the butter and flour into the size of small peas using a pastry cutter. Next, we’d carefully add tablespoon, by tablespoon of cold water until the little pea-sized particles were able to bind together forming a much larger ball. Without handling the dough too much, we’d wrap the large ball in wax paper. It would have to wait in the fridge until later while the blackberries were deliciously prepared as detailed in the cursive writing on her card.

With the dough chilled, we’d roll it into a perfect circle. It had to be just the right thickness. Only slightly larger than the pie plate it would eventually cover. Then, all the berries which were so adventurously collected were poured down onto that spectacular crust. Tiny squares of oleo pieces were carefully dotted on top of those berries, now covered in sugar. Finally, another round crust that mirrored the first was put on top and sealed with a crimp never forgetting to cut vent holes while dusting it all with a bit of sugar. Then we’d wait. We’d smell. We’d quickly sneak a peak in the oven to see how things were progressing. We knew it was done when the crust was golden brown and the deep purple juices could be seen wildly bubbling underneath those tiny decorative vent holes.

Then it would cool. And we would wait again. Wait until later that evening when we shared it with someone we both loved very much; my great-grandmother, her mother, Helen. We’d all three enjoy that pie while gathered closely around the small kitchen table. We’d talk about how flakey the crust was and how juicy the blackberries were that year. We talked about what a hot day it was or how dirty I got collecting those berries. Or, we’d talk about a new recipe that we had listened to on Gramma’s talk radio program. One we were planning to make very soon. And sometimes, we’d just laugh.

I miss my great-grandmother. She was a very special lady to me. She was a kind and loving lady who really knew how to make lemonade when life gave you lemons. Although gone for almost twenty-three years now, she made a lasting impression on me. And her daughter, my Gramma, who took care of her for what seemed to be forever, showed me how to care for someone’s spirit with food. Although uncomfortable with pain and prone to choking, my great-grandmother still looked forward to trying her daughter’s and great-grand daughter’s new recipes around that small kitchen table. It was something she enjoyed doing.

Everybody needs a little blackberry in their life and I don’t mean the kind that you text on. A little special something that keeps you connected to your past and makes you smile whenever you run across it. Maybe it even motivates you to whip up a little something to share with your family to tell the story of that special someone who you know is smiling down on you and most certainly bragging to everyone in heaven about that fabulous Blackberry Pie you made from scratch when you were ten.

And so, you know, our little blue house is always on the look out for new ways to use blackberries. I found the recipe below for Southern Blackberry Cobbler in the Food Section of our local paper last July. It was taken from a recipe book by Joan Allers entitled, Cider Beans, Wild Greens and Dandelion Jelly: Recipes from Southern Appalachia. Although not my Gramma’s Blackberry Pie from my childhood, this Southern Cobbler sure fits the bill. It is quick and easy, taking only 30 minutes to bake and about 5 minutes to throw together. Plus, I happen to know that my sister buys frozen blackberry cobbler for her husband. I am hoping this one makes it into her Keeper Box and she never has to thaw one out again.

You will be amazed how elegant this super easy dessert can be when served over vanilla bean ice-cream with a basil leaf garnish on top. The crust of the cobbler is a golden, flakey delight. The warm bubbling purple syrup and concentrated berries sweetly compliment the creaminess of the ice-cream. Be sure to take the extra step of brushing the top of the pastry with milk and dusting with sugar. It gives a special rustic quality to the cobbler. Besides, what kid won’t break into a big smile when they notice the sparkling sugar crystals that top this winning dessert?

Pour the berries into a 9-inch square baking dish. Mix together the ¾ cup sugar, cornstarch and salt in a bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over the black berries. Dot the top of berries with the butter bits. Place the pie crust over the berries. Seal the edges against glass dish. Cut several slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Brush with milk and sprinkle crust with 1 tablespoon of sugar.

Bake for 30 minutes at 425 degrees until crust is golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature over vanilla ice-cream. Garnish with Basil or Mint leaf, if desired.

Wild Rhododendron with Bee. July 2009, Gatlinsburg.

The Original Top Gun, Mom-to-be with Me, and Great-gramma Z. Summer of 1969. Richmond.

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Angela, As always, thank you for your support. I was so inspired when I saw those blackberries at Target to share my story about two generations of woman who are so special to me. Appreciate your kind remarks! PS. I am so glad you are only a few doors down. It is so fun talking food with you!

thx Lynne. It is so fun. Hey, besides without the biology I would not have know about the orchid hunter or the orinoco. Right? I loved working in the lab, photographing cells I saw in such detail and meeting such great people working for cures to diseases that won’t be found for years to com. It was a blast. I also got to write for a more technical audience. Wouldn’t change a thing. XO

thank you Jen. I can’t wait to write more for you to read. I am so loving writing these short stories. They will help me get to my lifetime goal of writing a novel. One written from the heart, so my boys can see what a creative cat their mum can be when she puts her mind to it ; )

Thank you Melissa. I was waiting for someone to ask. I have a wonderful marinara that goes with the meatballs. It is very special to me. An awesome meal for a celebration or just the right meal to celebrate hanging out with your family on a relaxing Sunday! I will post soon. Thank you for asking and continuing to support my dream of being a writer. I appreciate your kind words so much! Hope all is well with you and your family. PS. Be sure to plant some tomatillos this spring!

So glad my last two stories touched you! Appreciate your heartfelt comments so much. To be honest, I had tears when I re-read what I had written. The stories came from a very personal and special part of my heart. So glad I shared them. They have been in my heart for years just waiting to get down on the page. Thank you asking for me for more stories. I have alot of them waiting to be written. I am loving pursuing my dream!

I remember the same bowl! I remembering picking those blackberries ! Getting poked getting them. The bees on the clovers beneath our feet! It was so fun to gather them. Funny thing I have no recollection of the darn pie! I had no interest in cooking even then weird! Atleast my Marshall shows an interest. I rember grandma Zavada, despite her crippling of every digit and toe, she never complained or had a harsh word to say. I still can picture her soft skin and hear her soft voice. I hope she hears us thinking of her. I know I hear her! I’m so grateful for her! Love you so! Ps thanks for the happy tears while driving on family vacation. Wish u were here. Lori:)

I remember her very soft earlobes and how she loved when I brushed her hair. Very special lady! PS. Wish I was there. U are going to love it but take time to enjoy the ride along the way. So many beautiful things to take in. XO

This coming March, I will have been at home for three years. What a blast it is! The time is flying by and I am now feeling the need to do something that is all my own. I have decided this will be it: suebthefoodie.com. I am a true believer ... Continue reading →

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